Listen to a short audio message from Amalia.

It is projected that as many as 500,000 autistic children will reach adulthood in the next 15 years.  Will you and your child be prepared? “Rarely do I meet a mom with a special needs child who isn’t worried about her child’s future”, says Amalia Starr, the author of Raising Brandon: A Path to Independence for Your Adult “Kid” with Autism and Special Needs. Starr’s thirty-seven year old son, Brandon, has a form of autism called Asperger Syndrome, plus intractable epilepsy, and severe learning disorders.

Brandon has achieved what professionals believed to be impossible: he has been living on his own for the past thirteen years, enjoying his independence. Although living alone may not be an option for every child, helping one’s child to live the best life possible is every parent’s dream.  Starr is passionate about her mission to empower parents with the tools to help their special needs children reach the highest level of independence.

Nothing is more encouraging than listening to an experienced parent like Amalia Starr who is ahead of you on the path, offering practical advice and emotional relief. Starr's breakthrough presentations are relevant, heartfelt, and informative. Her enthusiastic, upbeat personality is contagious. “I love what I do,” says Starr, and it is obvious. Thirty-seven years ago, when her son, Brandon was born she had no one to talk to.  Starr is now living her dream by speaking out and helping parents and their special needs children to reach their full potential.

You will leave Starr’s authentic talks feeling hopeful and empowered.   Best of all, you get to walk away with proven tools to move through and overcome the challenges you once thought were unbeatable.

Amalia Starr’s book, Raising Brandon is quickly becoming a manual for parents who have children and adults with autism and special needs. The book informs, educates, and offers hope to a generation of parents struggling for answers.

Amalia Starr’s Talks and Workshops include: (visit Starr’s website for more topics)

•   "Your Child has Autism, a Developmental Disability," What to Do When You Receive a Diagnosis.

•    Autism, Acceptance, and Independence—Children with Special Needs Need Special Parents.

•    How to Help Your Child with Autism and Special Needs to Grow, Develop and Become an Independent Adult.

•   Discover How to Unlock the Barriers that Often Block Professionals From Successfully Interacting with Families who have Children or Adults with Autism and Special Needs.

•    500,000 Autistic Children will Reach Adulthood in the Next 15 Years, Will You and Your Child Be Prepared?

What people are saying about Amalia Starr:

“Amalia.you were stupendous. As a speaker, Amalia is topnotch: smooth, prepared, thoughtful, and emotionally engaging. Her presentation was crisp, tight, and clearly captivating for our large audience. I have literally seen and helped to present dozens of topnotch authors in the last couple of years, but Amalia was definitely one of the best."

—Steve Fjeldsted, Library Director
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“Amalia Starr inspires her listeners with her heart and soul, giving the authenticity of her own experience and concern for others to everyone who hears her.  Her warmth, clarity, insight, and honest expression make her really shine in her field of expertise. I highly recommend Amalia as a speaker you won't forget.  She's the real thing."
—Lynne Velling,Velling & Associates Communication Training, Facilitator of Speaking Circles®
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“Nothing is more encouraging than listening to an experienced parent like Amalia Starr who is ahead of you on the path, offering practical advice and hope. She is like a breath of spring, chasing cold fear from your heart.”
—Annie Fox, M.Ed Educator, award-winning author of the Middle School Confidential™ series
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"Amalia, I really enjoyed listening to you. You are an inspiration to all parents of special children. I admire your honesty and I am touched by your hopes and expectations for Brandon."

—Ann, mother of an autistic son.

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“If you are looking for a dynamic speaker who can make you laugh one minute and bring tears to your eyes the next, look no more! Amalia Starr tells it like it is with her honest, humorous and at times, gut-wrenching stories relating to her advocacy for her son who has special needs. We thank you Amalia for your willingness to give back and help restore hope to those who have given up.”
—Parent Partners for Riverside County Department of Mental Health